Kalman’s Big Day Leads Cougars to Sweep of Lourdes

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team (12-18, 7-15 CL) won both games of its non-conference doubleheader with Lourdes University (14-17, 10-8) on Tuesday afternoon, April 11 at Cougar Field.

The Cougar bats came to life in game one to lead the hosts to their first victory in seven games. After giving up a run in the top of the first, MVNU bounced back by three runs in each the first and second innings to take a commanding 6-1 lead. They tacked on two more insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings to cement their lead and seal the 8-2 win. Hogan Heck was 3-for-4 in the first game, scoring twice. But it was Casey Kalman who came up huge at the plate for the Cougars as the junior catcher went 3-for-3 with two homeruns, a double, and five runs batted in.

"I was just trying to help the team win," Kalman said after the game. "All I wanted was to win for the guys. It feels good to be back in the win column." 

MVNU's two wins on Tuesday were much-needed after the Cougars came off a seven-game skid after getting roughed up in conference play over the last week. Coach Keith Veale and his team will look to use the wins as momentum as they head into another busy period of games.

In game two, it was much of the same for MVNU as they scored eight runs on eight hits. Rider Minnick homered and went 3-for-4, scoring three times and driving in three to lead the offense. Kalman was 2-for-2 with a couple walks and two RBI in the second game. Heck had two hits, three runs, and batted in a run as he stayed hot at the plate. Cole Schreck, Reese Willoughby, and Cruz McFadden pitched a good game for the Cougars, allowing four runs on five hits, striking out six and allowing just one walk in the 8-4 victory.

What's Next

The Cougars will now prepare for a four-game series at Spring Arbor University this weekend that sees them playing doubleheaders on both Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15. First pitch for game one on Friday is scheduled for 1:00pm.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.